Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
THE TAOISEACH TOLD the Dáil this morning that the vote on the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013 will be held at midnight today.
But first, deputies will hold debate and mini-votes on 165 tabled amendments throughout the day. Proceedings are due to get going at 11.50am for just an hour and 40 minutes but will resume during two further sessions – the first between 4.40pm until 7.30pm.
The last debate on the proposed legislation will take place from 9pm to midnight, when a final vote will be called regardless if every amendment has been discussed and voted on.
This so-called guillotining of the legislation was criticised by Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin during a discussion in the Chamber this morning. In response, Enda Kenny said he didn’t object to extending the time but added that he was “going to get rid of it this evening”.
So, what exactly are they voting on?
The Bill is currently at Report Stage (after completing Second and Committee Stages in recent weeks). During this period, all sitting deputies can suggest amendments and each is discussed and voted on in the Dáil.
A total of 165 amendments have been tabled by TDs, with a number coming from the Minister for Health himself. During the day, each individual amendment is voted on. Some are grouped together for discussion if they are deemed similar enough.
Once the debates are complete, deputies will vote on the entire piece of legislation. There is normally a ‘Final Stage’ vote but this has been included in tonight’s ‘Report and Remaining Stages’ vote.
As Dáil rules generally favour the government, the Ceann Comhairle will stand at midnight and declare that because the time limit, it is proposed that all the report stage amendments proposed by the Minister are accepted, that all other amendments are defeated; that the bill is passed at report stage, and that the bill is passed at final stage.
The question will then be: “All in favour, say Tá [Yes]“.
If there are 10 or more deputies intent on voting against the government, a complete vote will be held.
If approved, that’s the end of TDs debating the matter. The Bill will then move to the Seanad where Senators will have their chance to table amendments and discuss the proposed laws.
Once the Seanad signs off on it, the Bill is sent to the President. Michael D Higgins would usually have between five and seven days to sign it into law but this period can be circumvented if the Government deems it necessary, and the Seanad approves it. This procedure has been used often in the past, notably during the debate on the IBRC legislation when the Bill was signed into law barely an hour after the Seanad passed it.
However, President Higgins could also convene the Council of State if he has fears that the legislation could be unconstitutional.
How are people voting?
All eyes are on Minister of State Lucinda Creighton who has signalled her strong opposition to the Bill. She has suggested a number of significant changes but they are likely to be rejected at this stage. If she is not satisfied and votes against the government, she will lose her position as European Affairs Minister, as well as the Fine Gael party whip.
Four other TDs from Fine Gael who have been sitting on the fence – James Bannon, John-Paul Phelan, Michelle Mulherin, and John O’Mahoney – are now more likely to vote for the Bill, following assurances from the Minister that it is as restrictive as it can be.
At least 13 Fianna Fáil deputies will vote against the Bill again – as they did last week during second stage. Others set to oppose the legislation in votes today are Sinn Féin’s Peadar Tóibín and six independent deputies Michael Healy-Rae, Noel Grealish, Mattie McGrath, Michael Lowry, Colm Keaveney, and Denis Naughten.
It is understood that a number of Independents and members of smaller political parties – who are in favour of legalising abortion services in Ireland- could vote against the legislation. Speaking to TheJournal.ie before entering the Chamber, Deputy Richard Boyd-Barrett said he will decide once he sees how today progresses.
The Dublin deputy has tabled 40 amendments, including one to allow for terminations in the case of fatal foetal abnormalities. He said it was “outrageous” that women in such situations have to travel for treatment.
“It depends on the Minister’s amendments. Anything could happen,” he said. “The Minister’s amendments represent a severe restriction, a further restriction on a woman’s rights.”
What does the Bill include?
The Bill allows for lawful terminations where there is a risk to life of the mother. The Taoiseach has took pains to assure the public and fellow politicians that it does not create any new rights.
It outlines that a termination can be carried out by a registered medical practitioner at an appropriate location if there is a “real and substantial risk” of the mother losing her life. Two doctors are required for sign-off on the procedure unless it is an emergency case and the risk is immediate.
The controversial suicide clause allows for a termination where there is a risk to life from self-destruction. In such a scenario, the law will require sign-off from three doctors – one obstetrician/gynaecologist and two psychiatrists. It also details a review procedure if the woman is not satisfied with the initial outcome. The appeals panel will consist of three more doctors.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
We will have another election within 12 months. I’d prefer if they just one now.
If they are unwilling to form a government and continue on with this ritualistic dance of “no you ask first” neither of them deserve to be apart of government.
I think we should bite the bullet and vote enda 200%..
Send me your details and I’ll send you a rare BLUE PETER BADGE!! Limited offer, so apply now. ImaFool@gmail.com
Enda , Let Me Go Ya Useless Ball-Ox
Those ‘Independents’ would do well to remember the hugely divisive policies of Fine Gael that fostered such inequality in this Country over the past 5yrs. How easily they forget?
…and lest not forget the Mandarins, the ‘Permanent’ unelected and more specifically, unaccountable Senior Civil Servants…who really run the show (as is proof right now) and they should have a lot of questions to answer for their role in this Country’s financial collapse prior to 2008…but, their decisions are privileged and protected under the law…now there’s one Parliamentary change the incoming regime should seriously consider.
What’s Enda telling that lady in the picture. “.sorry we took away your carers allowance.but we had to do it to pay back the banks.”
I thought he was saying “Gottla gear”, having decided to give up on politics and become a ventriloquist.
Yes and don’t be worrying about the death grant, sure you won’t be needing it when your dead.
Which would be ironic, Ted, since he’s been DoB’s dummy for the last five years.
No he is asking her has the man with 2 pints in he’s hand been in yet?
Kenny , F*ck Off Back Too Mayo
Ted Murray………..so funny.
Anyone else reckon Lowry backing enda Kenny in government would guarantee there would be no movement on the findings of the Moriarty tribunal for another Dail term?
The report was published 5 years ago yesterday.
The statute of limitations is up soon anyway, with mr FG having the most to lose nothing will ever be done about it.
Funny thing about all this. The longer it all goes on the more people will realise we don’t actually need any of them in Government.
The country seems to be running along just fine…its always been the civil servants that run country, the minister just signs on the line.
Like an army officer.
25% of the nations 65% who voted, only wanted him back.
Even if it was a full one fourth of the country, how is it fair that three quarters of those that didn’t opt for him as their number one party are going to be dictated to by the 25%???
Independents that also stated on record pre-election that they were not going to support him – are now going post-election to support him.
…Talk about more u-turns and double-crossing already – and the government isn’t even formed yet!
They again, are starting as they mean to go on – as usual. So what’s really changed in their antics? Bugger all!
If FG get to come back, there will be no stable government for definite in Ireland.
A lot of people are not going to forget at the next soon possible election, who already looks like they are willing to u-turn on their very own words stated previous.
The independents do this, they are not only ruining the ir own chances next time – they are bring down the rest of any independents that might have some decency in them, by they willing to stick to their previous stated words!
It comes as NO surprise that the Green party might be mixed up in this shenanigans.
They were ran out of office before – look like they will have to be ran out of office again?
Clearly they have learned nothing.
People who don’t vote aren’t allowed a say
What about doing what is in the best interest of the country and not in their best interests ? Either they can form a working government or not.
I voted very simply I do not want Enda Kenny as Taoiseach and I’m am in the AOBE camp and otherwise being poor or disabled you will be crucified by FG and just look st the Tories this week is where Fine Gael got their election manifesto from scew the poor and handicapped
Clearly you are unaware of how the system works.
Very simply, you have no right to vote for a Taoiseach, nor anyone else outside of your constituency. Votes are then pooled to produce the most representative parliament on the face of this earth. Just because it hasn’t worked out how you wanted is no reflection on the system
Your logic is implausible bottom line any vote for FG was a vote for Kenny
Controlling opposition as well as government is the elephant in the room.. FG /FF want to control both as they always have. Conceding opposition to SF is the reason FF will allow FG minority charade until collapse. Self service as always.. The electorate are ever the wiser to these trough seekers and next election might see even bigger losses for the established parties..
Excellent point.
I wouldn’t have thought FF had the balls to play a big hand like that it has been SF secondary move from the start but it makes sense. I agree. Good point Willy.
Denis naughton was on radio today and was asked would he push for the emergency department to be reopened in roscommon (which was what he left fg over)and he said no he said rural broadband was the major issue.that just proves his stand was a blatant act of self preservation dreadful characters we elect.
Once FG always FG he only left because Enda didn’t promote him that’s just politics
yes indeed Tim he seen the way he would have looked after promising the retention of the A&E and played the martyr.
Please not another 5 years of these parasites, it’ll be carte blanche on the country
Apparently theres a few elephants in Tallaght too
Sweet Jesus, they still haven’t sorted this out? FFS.
Opposite cheeks of the same arse basically….
Some photo, “a shift’s a shift”
From “Pig in the Kitchen”
to “Horse in the Lift”
to “Elephant in the Room”
….. any snakes LEFT in the grass?
FF and FG get together or call an election. Enough bull about minority governments.
If only it was funny 100 years on since the Rising and there is no proper Government the Irish cannot agree.
Ireland is just full of overpaid little fat , greedy thick unqualified gombeen people filling cronies and their own pockets who claim to be working in the public interest.
Back scratchers the lot of them.
Ireland has done nothing of note in that hundred year. When you travel round the world and see the progress some countries make in give years you see his Ireland lags behind. We can’t make a decision now without checking to see what the EU says or what happens in other countries. We don’t see any trends. We have crap at the top.Cronies and lackies everywhere.
Tommy Broughan isn’t Independent he nominated himself as “Independents 4 change” registered political party.
So Tommy can get an extra 38,000 as leader……..like Eamon Ryan. Ffs
Enda, before you do any deal have a listen to what the 13,000 on the “Unfair Car Tax Law” petition are saying.
Doubtful you will last long unless Reform of your Regressive Taxes is on the list.
https://www.change.org/p/unfair-car-tax-law/c
Fg is obviously not wanted by the majority of people, so anyone supporting them in any way will suffer in future election, so just call GE now.people are suffering on trollies, on the streets, poverty.
Enda looks like he’s trying to hide a boner there.
How, with an 80 year old???
I know, I wouldn’t be able to hide mine either!
Garbage
Looks like he’s trying to snog that old lady, shame on you enda
Fine Gael is still wooing those ‘Endapendants’ – but there’s an ‘elephant in the room’
please God tell me Mary Harney is not back????
We also would have accepted “enda-phant” in the room
Phanting all the way???
As a citizen never had such a blessed period free from listening to those predictably boring elected politicians.The country running as well (or as badly) without you lot Enda
I’m a little confused about issue by issue support. Does that mean if say socdem doesn’t get their way on an issue then the government colapses? or if an Endapendant doesn’t agree then it’s cause a general election? Or that each issue will take months to be decided on with loads of amendments and rewrites? Im genuinely confused by it. Also if FG manage to get in with a minority party who’s to say they won’t just give their new Endapendants lackies (how quickly I reached for the L word) 2 fingers and do what they want. If that happens people will have short memories and no sympathy for any TD who walked into that situation.
Funny that they dont show the picture of Enda with the very old lady , him sitting there with her in her home wrapped up in his fancy warm coat & scarf & this poor old dear , sitting at home in her p.j’s dressing gown an extra coat , hat on her head just to try keep warm!
ENDA IS PUCKERING UP RIGHTLY NOW LOL.
Whatever comes out of this the next government is doomed. It will be in the hands of people who will have their own agendas.
HACK ATM AND BECOME RICH TODAY!!!!
Hello everyone. There is a new way of making cash, although it is illegal but also a smart and easy way of living big. I used to be a barrack girl until i became eager and decided to change my life one way or the other. I got opportunity to register for the militant amnesty through connection thereby taking me out of the country for training in the United States for a period of 3years. To cut the story short, during my training i made some white friends who were geeks and also experts at ATM repairs, programming and execution who taught me various tips and tricks about breaking into an ATM. with my knowledge gained from my white geek friends, i have been able to counterfeit and programme a blank ATM card using various tools and software’s. I have ready-made programmed ATM cards; I am just 29, my family are in USA and i have cash, i have a car, i live in malaysia and i travel all around the world. i do my things on a low-key to avoid suspicion. Some of you will wonder why i am selling this out if truly i am already living large. It is because it is hard task doing it yourself, i wont lie to you, its not easy to hack ATM talk more of to reprogramme the card alone and be able to get 40,000 Kuwaiti dinar each day. It takes days and sometimes weeks. Some of you will want the ready made card to avoid the stress of doing it yourself and i don’t give the ready made card out for free because i spent days trying to make it available for you. on yahoomail, (luciafernando222@gmail.com) for request of the ATM NOTE: the ATM card has no pin, no registered account number. It has no limit for withdrawal and it is untraceable.(luciafernando222@gmail.com)
have your say